My name is Gigi and I am a Christian...proud and unapologetic. I was a lifelong Catholic - up until a few years ago when the priest sexual abuse scandal hit a bit too close to home. And rocked my very foundation of beliefs. But by the GRACE of my Lord Jesus Christ, I am finding my way back - not to Catholicism, but to my Savior. This is my journey...I would love it if you would share it with me. Sit with me for awhile, won't you...in the Throne Room of the Lord.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

A perfect start!

Happy 2012 everybody!! Did you stay up to bid farewell to 2011 and usher in the brand spanking new year? Or did you curl up in your cozy bed at your usual time and leave the mad festivities to others?!

I have to be honest and say it was with a sigh of relief that I said GOODBYE to last year. It was another year of loss.

My sweet Lulu...January 24, 2011

My beloved Mom...May 31, 2011

The thought of a brand new year was most welcome! Endless possibilities! A clean slate! YES!

I don't make New Year's Resolutions, per se...but I do like to have a bit of direction! If you've read my blog for a while, you may remember that I like to choose a "focus word" for the year. Last year, my word was "JOY." And while I certainly had my share of sorrow - I had MUCH joy as well!

Namely:

Matthew and Baylor!! These two make me laugh till my sides hurt!

So...what word have I chosen for 2012? It's one I'm hoping will act as a reminder of what our Lord and Savior Himself charged us to do. My word for this year is "TRINITY."

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."Matthew 28: 19-20 NIV

I have some goals in mind for 2012. One being working on my discipleship. Another ties in with that quite nicely. Scripture memorization. Eeek!!! I have to be honest here. Memorization of anything is no easy feat for me! BUT - I'm up for the challenge!! And my beautiful bloggie friend, Cindy Bultema, over at *She Sparkles* is helping me out BIG TIME with her A-Z Scripture Memory Verse Challenge 2012! Perfect (GOD) timing, right?!

Wait - it gets better!! YOU CAN JOIN ALONG TOO!! That's right! We can all do this together...all year long!

I've placed Cindy's "clickable" button at the top of my sidebar for greater visibility and easy access. A new verse will be up on *She Sparkles* every two weeks. The "B" verse will be up 2 weeks from today - I'll give you a little reminder too. You know...since we're doing this together and all! ;)

Oh - did I mention Cindy's making it extra fun by throwing in a bunch of goodies throughout the year?! She's just that special and giving! You can't help but smile when you read her posts...she's absolutely INFECTIOUS!! But in a GOOD way!! A link to her blog has been in my sidebar for quite some time. I hope you've checked it out!

So, from my home to yours - Happy New Year! Let's make it a year where we praise the One worthy of ALL our praise, glorify Him with ALL that we are, and go forth as His disciples knowing that He is with us always, to the very end of the age!

Posted by
Gigi

9 comments:

Happy New Year, Gigi!!!!You are such a treasure...thank you for your kind words and encouragement! I'm so thankful we'll be sharing this Memory Verse Challenge together. :)Your pics are so precious.:) Even though *joy* isn't your word this year, I do pray that 2012 would be filled with much joy, hope, faith, love, and sweet new memories. I'll be praying for you!Cindy :)

It has been a rough year for you, for sure. I'm glad you felt JOY as well. My word was change, and I fear that I didn't change as much as circumstances did! I am not positive yet, but I think this year's word will be EXCELLENCE. And I've been thinking of memorization as well, so this challenge is just what I need. Thanks for the opportunity to do it with you and others.

Hi, Gigi! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I've been reading yours again, but only now had a chance to leave a comment. I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of two more special lives, but I'm happy that you continue to feel blessed, through it all... because you are! :)

On July 8, 2008 my Sweet Hubby was hospitalized for what we thought was a bleeding ulcer. On July 10, 2008 he was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer with metastases to his liver. Truly a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear...

From the very hour he was diagnosed, we determined that we would continue to place our trust and faith in the Lord and seek to always honor and glorify Him. Yes, even (especially!) in the midst of chaos. One thing that we KNOW for sure is that God is good ALL the time! We are blessed...

**I've been putting off the update to my intro for quite some time now. But delaying it doesn't change the truth...my new reality. On November 9th, 2008, my Sweet Hubby went to be with Jesus. I miss him every minute of every hour of every day. And I will, until I close my eyes for the last time on this earth only to reopen them in Paradise and see His face...and the face of my beloved once again. But for now, I pray to know God's will for me that I might be used to glorify Him.